Christopher Woody

1 month ago | breakingdefense.com | Christopher Woody

BANGKOK — Japan is accelerating its acquisition of long-range missiles as part of a broader effort to improve its military capabilities in response to growing threats, particularly from China.

Jan 14, 2025 | thedateline.substack.com | Christopher Woody

BANGKOK — The US and China sent some of their most sophisticated aircraft to Thailand for the first time in 2024, deploying them for exercises with one of Southeast Asia’s largest air forces. In March, the US dispatched F-35 stealth jets to the Cope Tiger exercise to train with Thai and Singaporean forces. In August, China sent its new Y-9LG electronic-warfare aircraft overseas for the first time for the Falcon Strike exercise with Thailand.

Dec 2, 2024 | thedateline.substack.com | Christopher Woody

Programming note: I was on the China-Global South podcast last month to discuss an article I wrote this summer on China’s new military base in Cambodia. Check it out on the China-Global South website or on Apple or Spotify. BANGKOK — China unveiled its latest fifth-generation jet at Airshow China 2024 in mid-November, touting the newest addition to a growing stealth fleet that worries US military leaders and is driving investment in advanced aircraft across the region.

Oct 28, 2024 | thedateline.substack.com | Christopher Woody

BANGKOK — Across the Pacific, the US Air Force is stepping up its preparations for a potential clash with China by expanding its training to replicate new threats and engaging with more countries in hopes of gaining access to new bases. Bigger, more complex drills and increased outreach both reflect US commanders’ belief that to counter China’s increasingly capable military, they’ll need more friends and more places to operate from.

Oct 19, 2024 | thedateline.substack.com | Christopher Woody

BANGKOK — Scores of Chinese military aircraft and ships circled Taiwan on October 14 in a major exercise following Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's National Day speech on October 10, again demonstrating Beijing's rejection of what it sees as pro-independence leadership on an island it claims as its territory. The Joint Sword 2024B exercise follows the Joint Sword 2024A exercise held after Lai’s inauguration in May.